Social Inclusion Week was created by Dr Jonathon Welch AM with the aim to assist all Australians to feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate in society.

Social Inclusion Week Australia states that Social Inclusion Week “is about connecting local communities, workmates, family and friends, in order to build and strengthen relationships or networks and address isolation and exclusion of those who may be marginalised.”

People with disability and older people are sometimes marginalised in society. At Interchange Australia, we ensure that all of our clients have the opportunity to be part of the community and we encourage community engagement. Our weekday and weekend outings to local cafes, shops and attractions are all opportunities for our clients to engage with other members of the community, to interact and to socialise.

Our events such as RockCan, Stage Fright Players Drama Productions and Creative Creations art exhibitions not only act as platforms to showcase the talents and achievements of our clients, they also create the opportunity to perform or present in front of members of the community who they are not acquainted with. Inviting the entire community to celebrate the achievements of our clients at these events creates a truly inclusive community.

Interchange Australia also benefits from the support of local Council’s, local Club’s, financial institutions and fundraising organisations who regularly provide monetary assistance to assist with funding our socially inclusive projects and events. Likewise, the local media is also very supportive and provide assistance to raise awareness of these projects and events to the entire community. We are very grateful for all of the support that we receive. It is testament to the supportive nature of the local communities in which we provide services.